Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Boston Celtics

As we continue with previews of the Memphis Grizzlies’ opposition, let’s look at the franchise with 17 NBA championships, the Boston Celtics.

With the NBA world in a frenzy because of the Golden State Warriors dominance, many teams are looking into every possible option to build a super team to, at the very least, not get swept by the Warriors in the playoffs.

While several franchises may have been successful in landing a superstar – Jimmy Butler to Minnesota, Paul George to Oklahoma City and Chris Paul to Houston – only one team has gone through this process smoothly while also keeping an eye on the future.

This offseason, the Boston Celtics made a lot of noise with the signing of Utah Jazz superstar Gordon Hayward. With the trio of Isaiah Thomas, Al Horfordn and Hayward, the Celtics increased their chances of knocking off LeBron James and the current Eastern Conference champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics have also been keeping an eye on the future, drafting Jaylen Brown with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft and Jayson Tatum with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Plus, the Celtics have up to five possible first round picks in the next two years.

While they have a unique blend of All-Star veteran talent, solid role players and bright young players, how will the Celtics fare against the Grizzlies? What must the Grizz do to stop Brad Stevens’ Celtics team?

Celtics Projected Starting Lineup 2017-2018

PG – Isaiah Thomas

SG – Gordon Hayward

SF – Jae Crowder

PF – Marcus Morris

C – Al Horford

Advantage For The Grizzlies

Any advantage for the Memphis Grizzlies will come from their All-Star center Marc Gasol.

In the first half of the 2016-2017 season, Big Spain looked like a killer, draining 3’s from all over and anchoring the defense. But, as the season continued, Gasol got less aggressive offensively. At times, he looked like he wasn’t giving it his all on the court when things weren’t working in the Grizzlies’ favor.

For Memphis to succeed – especially against a contender like the Celtics – Gasol has to be in that “killer” mindset every second he’s on the court. Draining shots to stretch the floor and being a vocal leader on both ends of the court.

While the Celtics may have a strong player in Al Horford, Marc is unguardable when he’s in the zone. Just ask the Raptors after the game Gasol scored a career-high 42 points.

Advantage For The Celtics

Gordon Hayward is an extremely versatile offensive player. He can pull up for a jump shot or easily drive in and posterize someone with his size and athleticism. With the likely departure of Tony Allen, the Grizzlies don’t have anyone who can lock him down.

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Memphis will have a hard time controlling Gordon, forcing them to put a lot of attention towards him. With the focus on Hayward, Isaiah Thomas can use his speed to get to the rim and either finish or dish the ball out to Morris or Horford for a jump shot.

This is just one of the many offensive options the Celtics will have at their disposal. For this reason, the Celtics’ offense is easily their biggest advantage.

Closing Remarks

For the Grizzlies to stand a chance, they must find a way to run the offense while Marc and Mike are on the bench resting. Basketball is a team sport, and two people can only carry a team for so long – especially against the loaded Boston Celtics.